Green chemistry turns masks into Ethernet cables

Swansea University scholars have pioneered a process that converts the carbon contained in the discarded masks to create high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are then used to manufacture Ethernet cables with broadband quality.

Research, published in Carbon letters, outlines how this new green chemistry can be used to enhance cyclic materials that would otherwise be thrown away and turn them into high-value materials with real-world applications. CNTs produced using this technique have the potential to be used not only in Ethernet cables but also in the manufacture of lightweight batteries used in Electric Car and unmanned aircraft.

Professor Alvin Orbaek White, of Swansea University’s Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI), said, “Single-use masks are a real treat for the recycling system as they generate a large amount of waste. large amounts of plastic waste – much of which ends up in our oceans.In our study, we established that the carbon inside mask can be used as a fairly good raw material to make high-quality materials such as CNTs.

“CNTs are very sought after because they have preferred physical properties and tend to be much more expensive at an industrial scale. So, through this study, we have demonstrated that we can make them. very high-value materials by processing CNTs from what are, essentially, worthless waste masks.”

The team also studied the energy costs associated with using this process and concluded that the technique is not only green in terms of resource consumption, but also in creating product value rather than creating value. out waste. In addition, Ethernet cables manufactured using CNTs are of good quality and comply with Class 5 transmission rates while easily surpassing the standards set for Broadband Internet in most countries.

Professor Orbaek White said, “Using CNT films in batteries instead of metal films has a lower impact on the environment due to the use of CNTs. carbon offset the demand for mining and extraction operations. This is an important part of the job because it contributes not only to circular economy but also scalable and viable for industrial processing and has green chemistry at its core. ”